Introduction
No one likes to be sunburned. It’s uncomfortable, painful, and can even be dangerous. But, if you’ve ever noticed that your sunburn is purple, you may be wondering why. The answer is actually quite simple: sunburns often turn purple due to the skin’s response to the sun’s UV rays. In this blog post, we’ll explore why sunburns turn purple, how to prevent it from happening, and how to treat it if it does.
What Causes Sunburns to Turn Purple?
Sunburns turn purple because of the skin’s response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. When UV rays hit the skin, they damage the skin cells and cause inflammation. This inflammation causes the skin to swell, which can cause the skin to turn purple. The purple color is caused by a combination of the skin’s redness and the swelling.
How to Prevent Sunburns from Turning Purple
The best way to prevent sunburns from turning purple is to avoid getting sunburned in the first place. This means wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun. If you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours and take regular breaks in the shade.
How to Treat a Sunburn That Has Turned Purple
If you do get a sunburn that has turned purple, there are a few things you can do to help treat it. The first thing you should do is to take a cool shower or bath to help soothe the skin. This can help reduce the inflammation and provide some relief from the pain.
You should also apply a moisturizer or aloe vera gel to the affected area. This can help soothe the skin and reduce the pain. If the pain is severe, you can also take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
If the sunburn is severe, you should seek medical attention. A doctor may prescribe a topical steroid cream or a corticosteroid injection to help reduce the inflammation and pain.
Conclusion
Sunburns often turn purple due to the skin’s response to UV radiation. To prevent sunburns from turning purple, it’s important to wear sunscreen and protective clothing, and to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you do get a sunburn that has turned purple, you can take a cool shower or bath and apply a moisturizer or aloe vera gel to the affected area. If the pain is severe, you can take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication or seek medical attention.
